Ulster History Circle facts for kids
The Ulster History Circle is a group that puts up special blue plaques to remember important people and places in Ulster, a province on the island of Ireland. It's a volunteer group, meaning people give their time for free, and it doesn't make any money. They place these plaques in public spots to honor people and locations that have made a big difference in history across all nine counties of Ulster. The group started in the early 1980s. Unlike some similar groups in the United Kingdom, the Ulster History Circle doesn't get money from the government.
Doreen Corcoran was in charge of the Circle from 1998 to 2009.
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What is the Ulster History Circle?
The Ulster History Circle is a dedicated group of volunteers. Their main goal is to celebrate the rich history of Ulster. They do this by finding important people and places. Then, they put up special blue plaques to remember them. These plaques help everyone learn about the past. They show how much these individuals and locations contributed to Ulster's story.
What are Blue Plaques?
Blue plaques are like special signs. They are usually blue and round. They are placed on buildings or in public areas. Each plaque tells you that someone famous or an important event happened there. It's a way to mark history right where it happened. The Ulster History Circle uses these plaques to teach people about Ulster's heroes and significant moments.
Who has been honored with a Blue Plaque?
Since the Ulster History Circle started, over 150 people have received a blue plaque! These plaques celebrate a wide range of individuals. They include artists, writers, scientists, and even brave soldiers. Here are just a few examples of the amazing people honored:
- Thomas Andrews: He was the designer of the famous ship, the RMS Titanic.
- Samuel Beckett: A very well-known playwright and writer.
- Lilian Bland: She was a pioneer aviator, meaning she was one of the first people to fly planes.
- Amy Carmichael: A missionary and writer who helped many people.
- C. S. Lewis: The author who wrote the magical The Chronicles of Narnia books.
- James Joseph Magennis: A brave submariner who received the Victoria Cross for his courage.
- Guglielmo Marconi: A famous inventor who helped create radio technology.
- Rinty Monaghan: A World Champion boxer from Ulster.
- Ernest Walton: A brilliant physicist who won a Nobel Prize.
- Oscar Wilde: A famous playwright and poet.
These plaques help us remember the incredible achievements of people from Ulster. They show how much these individuals shaped history, not just locally, but sometimes worldwide!
Images for kids
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Blue plaque for James Magennis in Belfast
